Sixth-grade students at Kraus Middle School in Clarksville recently had a chance to observe nine planets, Halley's Comet and the 48 major constellations, all from the comfort of the school's gymnasium.

Teachers Amy Blackard and Tammy Vire used StarLab, a portable planetarium, to enhance their students' study of science, and the sixth graders were able to experience what it's like in a real planetarium.

"The StarLab is the only opportunity most of my students will have to experience a planetarium," Blackard said. "With the different cylinders available, students can see plate tectonics, the solar system, Greek mythology and many other topics.

"The students enter the gym where the StarLab is set up and immediately their mouths drop open. They have looked forward to the experience for so long, when the day is actually here, the excitement overcomes them."

The StarLab is available to area schools through the Math and Science Institute (MSI) at Arkansas Tech University. According to information from the MSI Web site, the StarLab consists of an inflatable dome and a projection system.

The projector uses mylar cylinders that are designed to help illustrate specific topics. While the most common curriculum taught in the StarLab is astronomy, other topics can also be presented, including mythology, weather, earth science, biology, oceanography and applied mathematics.

The dome of the StarLab inflates to a height of more than 13 feet and has an inside diameter of 23 feet, requiring a large room for its setup. While the dome is large enough for 80-90 children or 50-60 adults, most teachers keep the number down to about 30 students, according to the MSI Web site.

Blackard said students are amazed initially by the size of the dome. But their amazement continues as they enter the StarLab.

"Pitch black inside, students are immediately immersed in the planetarium experience," she said. "While in the dome, students are able to identify stars, constellations and planets which had previously been seen only on paper."

She also expands the experience to include Greek mythology.

"We share the Greek myths about the constellations and compare what the Greeks envisioned in the night sky with what is really visible," Blackard said.

To be allowed to use the StarLab, teachers must complete six hours of training through the MSI. Steve Zimmer, director of the Institute, serves as the trainer for the StarLab. The portable planetarium is available to schools at a minimal cost of $100. The fee entitles the school to borrow the StarLab equipment up to three times during the academic year.

Training sessions for teachers are currently offered at no charge.

This year was the second year Kraus Middle School teachers have used the StarLab. Blackard said the feedback she has received from both students and their parents has been very positive.

"Parents are overjoyed with the opportunity their children have," she said. "One parent told me her child was so excited about what we were learning, she asked for a telescope for her birthday. That is what learning and education should be about - exciting the children so they continue learning outside the school environment."

Blackard said she is extremely passionate about the unique opportunities the StarLab provides her students.

"Living in a rural community, some experiences are limited for our children," Blackard said. "The StarLab provides an opportunity to share something larger than life with kids, inspiring them to achieve goals previously thought out of their reach."